City Manager’s Update
Brian Dossey, City Manager
With the Holidays right around the corner, it’s important to beat the crowds and get your shopping done early. As you know Colma has some great opportunities for gifts for families, friends and loved ones. Please remember to be safe and wear your mask when visiting Auto Row, the Serra Center, 280 Metro and Kohl’s for great gifts this Holiday season.
In honor of those who served, we invite you to join us in celebrating Veteran’s Day this year on November 10, 2021 at 12:00pm at Veteran’s Village, 1680 Mission Road in Colma. The event will be highlighted by a recognition ceremony where we honor new Veteran’s to the Colma community followed by a BBQ lunch. We hope to see you there.
Also, we invite you to join us and Cypress Lawn Cemetery in celebrating Arboretum Day on November 12, 2021 at 11:00am. The celebration will feature a tree planting ceremony, a walking tour of amongst Cypress Lawn trees, including the recently planted memorial Monterey Cypress tree to honor the many victims of the Covid-19 pandemic, and finally ending at Cypress Lawn’s Champion Cork Oak Tree. For more details about the Arboretum Day event please contact Cypress Lawn Arboretum Director Josh Gevertz at jgevertz@cypresslawn.com.
Recently with the planned power shut off’s being conducted by PG&E we cannot stress the importance of SMC Alerts. SMC Alerts a valuable tool for emergency preparedness for residents in San Mateo County. SMC Alerts is an alert notification system used to immediately contact you during urgent or emergency situations. You can set alerts to send emergency and non-emergency text and voice messages to your email accounts, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, or voice messages to landline phones. SMC ALERT is a free service offered through the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services. You can sign up here: http://hsd.smcsheriff.com/smcalert. In emergencies when seconds count and can save lives, SMC ALERT can provide you with crucial emergency alerts to help keep you and your family safe.
Lastly, don’t forget to turn you clocks back on Sunday morning November 7.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Planning Department Update
Farhad Mortazavi, City Planner
Colma’s Planning Department is currently working on the following projects. You could contact the Planning Department at (650)757-8888, if you have any questions.
Colma Adopts Organic Disposal Reduction Ordinance
The subject Ordinance was reviewed and adopted by the City Council on October 13, 2021, amending Colma’s Municipal Code by adding the Ordinance – mandated by State of California – for the reduction of organic disposal relating to processing and disposal of solid waste. The Ordinance is to reduce, reuse, and recycle (including composting) solid waste that is generated in Colma – to the maximum extent feasible – before any incineration or landfill disposal of waste; and it is also to conserve water, energy, and other natural resources, and to protect the environment.
Business Recognition Luncheon
The luncheon occurred on October 7th at the Community Center. The City Manager took the lead on conducting this successful event that recognized businesses for their great efforts to serve the community during the pandemic.
Peninsula Clean Energy Report on Colma’s 2020 Community Benefits
Colma joined Peninsula Clean Energy In 2016 to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Colma’s efforts on the subject resulted in 96% reduction in GHG emissions from electricity in comparison to 2016 – which is equivalent to 6,957 metric tons GHG emissions or 783,000 gallons of gas.
General Plan Update
Colma will be releasing the Town’s General Plan Update in November 2021. The General Plan Update (GPU) is Colma’s vision for 2040, and the process for finalization includes a 45-day public review and will be discussed at study sessions with the City Council. Thereafter, staff will address comments received during the public review and/or at the City Council meetings, and the revised version will proceed for legal review. Thereupon, the final GPU and associated Environmental Impact Report will then be certified – scheduled for Winter 2022. The draft GPU can be viewed at https://www.coma.ca.gov/gerneral-plan-update